Living in and tempered by a materialistic society, it is hard to comprehend that one’s “life consisteth not in ... abundance” and in “things.” It can even reach the point where we are “supposing that gain is godliness.” But we are not to “trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.” “Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.” Not only are “things” transitory, but they are also unsatisfying, and “better is little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure and trouble therewith,” and “better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.” Let us never imagine that “abundance” brings happiness, or that “things” produce spirituality. If God is pleased to give an “abundance of ... things,” let us be sure that “the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches” do not “choke the word” and its ministry in our lives. Rather, “be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
Things and pleasures always beckon
And entice the child of God,
But they give no lasting pleasure,
Which comes as we obey His Word.
1 Tim. 6:5; 6:17; Prov. 23:5; 15:16; 17:1; Matt. 13:22; James 1:22.